"We whispered in their ear, whispered sweet nothings and told them how good it would be," Rep. Mike Rogers said jokingly to an audience of about 100.
The recipient of those sweet nothings was General Electric Co. Aviation, which broke ground Monday on its Auburn plant, marking the beginning of an operation that will provide 300-400 new jobs by the end of the decade.
The proximity to Auburn University and Tuskegee University was just one of the benefits that drew GE Aviation to Auburn.
Colleen Athans, vice president and general manager of supply chain for the company, said in addition to technical strength and local incentives, the physical location also suited their needs.
"It's close to the airport," Athans said. "Our parts are clearly made for engines that are shipped to customers all around the world."
The plant, which is GE's 81st worldwide, is scheduled to be finished late next year.
"We'll start hiring small numbers of people throughout the year, and we hope to make the first product by November or December of next year," Athans said.
Rogers said his goal is to make the stretch between Auburn and Montgomery into a "technology corridor" similar to North Alabama, creating jobs that will attract students.
"With the capital of the state right down the road and Tuskegee and their engineering capacity and Auburn and their engineering and other technology capacities, we have everything that you need to develop that kind of corridor here," Rogers said.
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